Taiheki Picture Scroll, Scroll Seven

This scroll painting depicts a scene from the Taiheiki, a historical epic written in the 14th century about a period of war in Japan between the Northern Court of Ashikaga Takauji in Kyoto and the Southern Court of Emperor Go-Daigo in Yoshino. This is the seventh scroll in the first set of twelve volumes and reflects the contents of Chapter 18 to Chapter 22. The story tells of Nitta Yoshisada confronting Ashikaga Takauji and Emperor Go-Daigo's death after the Kamakura Shogunate was overthrown. This scroll depicts the scene of Kitabatake Akiie Clan, a clan allied with Emperor Go-Daigo, battling against troops from the Ashikaga Clan. Among all of the Taiheiki picture scrolls, this scroll most vibrantly portrays this battle scene. It was painted in the first half of the 17th century. Cultural Properties Designated by Saitama Prefecture.